A few Extracts from the Report 
OF THE 
Committee appointed by the Board of Trade 
TO MAKE ENQUIRIES IN 
Reference to the VALUE OF EXHIBITIONS. 
-- . 
COMMITTEE. 
I ord Airedale, Sir Alfred Bateman, K.C.M.G. (Chairman), Sir Swire Smith, Sir Isidore 
Spielmann, Mr. A. Wilson Fox, C.B. (Board of Trade), Mr. Charles A. 
FI arris, C.B,, C.M.G. (Colonial Office), Mr. Algernon Law (Foreign Office), 
Mr. Malcolm Ramsay, C.B, (Treasury), and Mr. Samuel J, Waring. 
«■*■#*,** 
Another consideration which appears to weigh with Manufacturers of standing is the un¬ 
businesslike and undignified manner in which they are apt to be mixed up with (a) what they 
call “fakers,” i.e., the paltry dealers in cheap articles of ornament and amusement which do 
not represent British industry; and (b) the general element of popular amusement which has 
become part of the life of the modern Exhibition. There is an opinion that Exhibitions are 
kept open less with a view to the furtherance of trade interests than witli the object of 
attracting visitors and achieving financial success from the receipt of gate money. The number 
of side shows and other entertainments has, in consequence, increased to a very great extent 
at recent Exhibitions, and it is thought by many ihat this has resulted in attracting, as visitors 
to the Exhibition, pleasure seekers, rather than serious students or possible customers. There 
is no doubt that, in the opinion of many Manufacturers, the changes to which we have alluded 
have materially diminished the value of exhibiting as a means of obtaining direct orders fci 
their goods. 
NOTE.—There will be no “faker” stands or side-shows, as above mentioned, at 
the Rubber Exhibition, and every effort will be made to attract the 
class of visitors who will benefit the Exhibitors. 
* # * ■* * 
To a large extent it would appear the amount of direct benefit which may be derived 
from exhibiting by any particular Firm is dependent on whether that Firm is represented at 
the Exhibition by an efficient Agent. In many cases, it is said, the attendants in charge of a 
Stall at an Exhibition are unable to describe the goods exhibited in a correct and intelligible 
manner. 
• #*#** 
A number of Firms who, from the nature of their Exhibits, can expect little or no direct 
return to compensate them for their outlay, still continue to exhibit at fairly frequent intervals. 
In doing this many have no doubt been influenced by the fear that they might lose their place 
in the trade if they failed to be represented at Exhibitions when their competitors were showing ; 
but there are, on the other hand, not a few who regard their expenditure on Exhibitions in 
the light of a necessary item in their general scheme of advertisement. 
*•*#*#* 
To a large extent the question which we have to decide is not whether it pays to exhibit, 
but whether, under modern conditions, we can afford not to exhibit. We think that the 
evidence which we have obtained affords convincing proof that the answer to this question 
is in the negative. 
* # # - # * 
It is difficult to find important arguments against Exhibitions whose utility as a whole is 
admitted. Some criticisms in the case of special commodities based on expense and distance, and 
doubts whether the benefits equal the outlay, seem to be the principal, but for the most part 
opinions are in favour of Exhibitions. 
DOSSON & CO,, 3, FULLWOOD'S BENTS W,G. 
